SPECIAL OFFER - SAVE 500 PER PERSON MUSIC & MAJESTY OF THE DANUBE A cruise between Budapest and Vienna celebrating the delightful music of the Danube aboard the MS Royal Crown 16 th to 22 nd October 2018
Palais Liechtenstein, Vienna Join us for a week of musical and cultural delights as we sail from Budapest to Vienna from the comfort of the MS Royal Crown. Autumn is an ideal time to visit central Europe and immerse yourself in the region s rich heritage and musical diversity. Much of the world s classical music has originated from a relatively small area in central Europe; draw a 100-mile radius around Vienna and here you will find the origins of some of the greatest 18th and 19th century composers that have ever lived. During our voyage we will spend time in the great cities of Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna and enjoy cruising along some of the most scenic sections of the Danube. Along the way we will see splendid and opulent palaces and monasteries, each with their own architectural style and colourful history and we also have the opportunity to experience a variety of glorious music at a selection of unique venues. This is no ordinary river cruise but a celebration of music through a landscape that has inspired composers and poets through the ages and promises to be a truly memorable and delightful voyage. To complement your journey, we are also offering a three night post cruise extension at the luxurious Hotel Sacher in Salzburg, truly a great city of music and joie de vivre. Guest Speaker Canon David Nason Canon David Nason has recently retired from the role of Priest Vicar in Chichester Cathedral and that of Senior Master and Head of Classics in the Prebendal School, the Cathedral Choir School. These are posts that he held for twenty five years and during this time he could often be heard singing choral evensong on BBC Radio 3. For over ten years he also worked as a music host for a travel company at the opera in Verona, lecturing to the guests and indulging in a personal passion for grand opera. David still has an active ministry as Chaplain to the Festival Theatre in Chichester and London and South East Region Chaplain for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. In retirement he finds himself busier than ever taking Sunday services in churches around Chichester and fulfilling many speaking and playing engagements on opera, music and musical theatre. Melk Wachau Valley Salzburg AUSTRIA Vienna Bratislava Danube SLOVAKIA Budapest HUNGARY MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS n Onboard music performance by the folk Lugosi Band n String quartet performance at Moyzes Hall, Bratislava n A clarinet quintet performance at Melk Abbey n A visit and concert in the opulent Palais Liechtenstein, Vienna n Onboard classical recital by pianist Martin Ivanov www.noble-caledonia.co.uk The beautiful Wachau Valley
Budapest Parliament Building Interior of Melk Abbey Matthias Church and Fisherman s Bastion, Budapest The Itinerary Day 1 London to Budapest, Hungary. Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Royal Crown for embarkation. This evening join our fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink & Gala Dinner, followed by an after-dinner performance by the lively Lugosi Band playing classical and gypsy melodies from Hungary. Day 2 Budapest. We have the day to explore Hungary s elegant capital city. Spend the morning on an excursion that will include the old quarter, visiting the Matthias Church, the Fisherman s Bastion and Royal Palace (outside only). Return to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon there will be a choice of included tours. Firstly, an excursion to the nearby Palace of Godollo. It was the favoured home of Sissy, the wife of Emperor Franz Josef, and in recent years the palace has been restored. Alternatively, you may prefer a visit to Budapest s impressive House of Parliament. On arrival join a guided walking tour of its famous rooms, including the Holy Crown of Hungary in the cupola hall, the magnificent staircase and the session room. This evening there will be an optional music evening ashore at the State Opera House or Liszt Academy (depending on availability and schedules). Sail late this evening towards Slovakia. Day 3 Bratislava, Slovakia. A relaxing morning of cruising, arriving into Bratislava in the early afternoon. After lunch on board join a guided walking tour of the city, formerly known as Pressburg, a former capital of Hungary. See the old quarter, the ornate Baroque Palace and the ancient city gates. The tour ends with a visit to the beautiful Moyzes Hall (or similar) where a string quartet will perform a concert of music by Dvorak and Mozart. Return to the ship and later this evening we cruise overnight to Vienna. Day 4 Vienna, Austria. Today, join our morning guided city tour which will include the famous Ringstrasse, St Stephen s Cathedral, and Belvedere Palace (outside only). Return to the ship for lunch and the afternoon will be at leisure to explore independently or you may wish to join one of our included tours. Firstly, a tour to see Schonbrunn Palace, the Versailles of Vienna, graced by a number of formal gardens, classical statuary and the Roman ruin erected in 1778. Alternatively, you may like to join an excursion to the Vienna Woods, which includes a visit to the beautiful monastery at Heiligenkreuz, and the hunting lodge at Mayerling. The lodge is now a commemorative chapel, remembering the deaths of Crown Prince Rudolph and Baronesse Vetsera, both of whom died tragically during the infamous Mayerling Incident of 1889. Return to the ship and, after dinner this evening, we join our fellow travellers in the lounge for a wonderful piano recital by Martin Ivanov. Day 5 Melk. Arrive this morning in Melk and after breakfast depart for an excursion to see this imposing Baroque Abbey which dominates the Danube from its cliff top setting. Our tour here will end with an uplifting performance by a clarinet quintet. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon we relax on board as we sail through the beautiful Wachau Valley back to Vienna for an overnight mooring. This evening we join our fellow travellers for the Farewell Drinks & Gala Dinner. Day 6 Vienna. After breakfast depart for a morning visit to the sumptuous Palais Liechtenstein, home to The Princely Collections. Our visit here includes masterpieces from the early Renaissance to the Biedermeier era, as well as beautiful tapestries, porcelain and furniture. Our tour ends with a classical concert by a string quartet from the Vienna Philharmonic in one of the Palace s sumptuous ballrooms. Return to the ship for a late lunch and the afternoon is at leisure. This evening there will be an optional music event ashore at the State Opera or Volksopera (subject to schedules and availability). Moor overnight. Day 7 Vienna to London. Disembark after breakfast and return to London by scheduled flight. PRICES PER PERSON Based on double occupancy SPECIAL OFFER SAVE 500 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY BROCHURE SPECIAL OFFER CAT DECK PRICE PRICE Junior Suite Select 1995 1495 Superior Suite Select 2095 1595 Deluxe Suite Select 2295 1795 Premium Suite Select 2495 1995 Royal Suite Panorama SOLD OUT SOLD OUT Deluxe Suite for sole use Select 2595 2095 PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel Six nights aboard the MS Royal Crown on full board basis House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner Shore excursions as described Cruise Director Tour Manager Guest Speaker Gratuities Complimentary Wi-Fi on board Transfers Port taxes Airport taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, optional tours on days 2 & 6.
THE BAROQUE CITY OF SALZBURG POST-CRUISE EXTENSION 22nd to 25th October 2018 Bratislava State Opera House Salzburg and the Salzach River Monastery at Heiligenkreuz, Vienna Salzburg is the fourth-largest city in Austria and the capital of Salzburgerland. The Old Town, with its world famous Baroque architecture is one of the best-preserved city centres in the German-speaking world and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. For our three night extension we will be staying at the elegant, luxurious and centrally located Sacher Hotel and included is a half day walking tour of Salzburg, a full day s excursion exploring the beautiful lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut region as well as time at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. The Itinerary Day 1 Vienna to Salzburg. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Vienna Central Station to take a morning train to Salzburg (first class seats will be reserved and journey time is approximately 2.5 hours). On arrival transfer to the Hotel Sacher and check in for our three night stay. This afternoon we gather in the hotel foyer and join a guided walking tour of the city. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure. Day 2 Salzburg. After breakfast at the hotel we depart for our full day tour to one of Austria s most beautiful regions - the Salzkammergut, so named because of the salt found here in very early times and an area dominated by magnificent lakes and mountains. Drive along the Fuschlse and the Wolfgangsee before arriving in the charming village of Bad Ischl, made famous by its most illustrious visitor, Emperor Franz-Josef, for a guided walk. We continue our journey to the delightful villages of Hallstatt, known worldwide for its important archaeological finds, and St Wolfgang, where we will enjoy lunch at the White Horse Inn, made famous by Ralph Benatzky s operetta of that name. After lunch visit the impressive Pilgrimage Church with its intricately carved altar and enjoy some free time in the village. Day 3 Salzburg. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure to sightsee, explore or simply relax at the hotel. Day 4 Salzburg to London. After breakfast at the hotel we transfer to Munich airport (approx. 2 hours) for the return scheduled flight to London. Prices per person Based on double occupancy Twin: 995 Single: 1445 Price Includes: Train from Vienna to Salzburg (first class seats), three nights at the Hotel Sacher on a bed and breakfast basis, tours as described, lunch on day 2, Tour Manager, transfers. Not Included: Travel insurance, meals other than those described. Melk Abbey +44 (0)20-7752 0000
ROYAL CROWN - RIVER CRUISING AT ITS BEST We are delighted to have chartered the MS Royal Crown for a series of European river cruises in 2018. This elegant vessel combines the nostalgic charm of the 1930s with the comfort and service of a four-star vessel. No expense has been spared to create not only a vessel that is beautiful to look at, but also a great joy to travel on. Spacious teak decks, elegant public rooms and staterooms with mahogany, rosewood and marble, together with rich fabrics and specially designed furniture, all blend together to create a unique river vessel. Built in 1996 and refurbished in 2010, the 90 passenger MS Royal Crown was designed for the rivers flowing through the heart of Europe. Exquisite furniture, expensive materials and accessories give the vessel its unique atmosphere. Facilities on board include a library, boutique, fitness area, lounge with panoramic views and a restaurant with open seating. Outside there is a large Sun Deck, Lido Bar, a putting green and large scale chessboard. On board the efficient airconditioning system ensures a comfortable temperature. Two powerful engines propel the vessel up to a speed of 12 knots. Premium Suite YOUR CABIN/SUITE Royal Suite MS Royal Crown has 45 suites which range in size from 145 square feet to the spacious Royal Suites which measure 200 square feet. All suites are fitted with spacious rosewood cupboards, a dressing table, satellite TV and radio, a safety deposit box, individually controlled air-conditioning and en-suite facilities with shower and hairdryer. Suites on the Select Deck have portholes and the Royal Suites on the Panorama Deck have large windows.
Lounge Restaurant Deluxe Suite Friendly service Sun Deck YOUR DINING While the most beautiful river scenery passes by, enjoy delicacies created by the Executive Chef and his team. The restaurant has open seating, allowing you to sit where and with whom you like at each meal. In the morning breakfast is served buffet style, lunch is a delightful buffet with hot and cold choices and dinner is a served four course meal. In addition, house wine, beer and soft drinks are included at both lunch and dinner. read a book or watch the changing scenery. There is also a putting green and a large chess board for your enjoyment. For some time out, relax in the wellness centre which includes a DECK PLAN LIDO DECK sauna with shower facilities, and a fitness room. There is also a small boutique and a library with a selection of books and games. Daily news sheets are also supplied. LIDO BAR YOUR SPACE The elegant Lounge Bar is defined by its 30s inspired Art Deco style, with textured carpets, carved mahogany and plush sofas which create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Experience unforgettable views from the large windows as you enjoy tea or coffee. The Lounge is also where our Guest Speakers will entertain you with informative presentations. In the evenings, let the day come to an end with a choice of beverages from the extensive menu accompanied by a pianist playing a Steinway & Sons grand piano. The huge Sun Deck covers almost the entire length of the vessel, interrupted only by the bridge and the Lido Bar (open when weather permits) where you can enjoy a drink such as fresh juice, a milkshake, or even a cocktail. Recline on a sun lounger and PANORAMA DECK RESTAURANT 6 4 2 5 3 1 DELUXE SUITE LIBRARY FOYER FITNESS SAUNA BOUTIQUE RECEPTION LOUNGE SELECT DECK JUNIOR SUITE 46 44 42 40 38 36 34 32 30 28 26 24 22 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 45 43 41 39 37 35 33 31 29 27 25 23 21 19 17 15 11 9 7 8 SUPERIOR SUITE PREMIUM SUITE ROYAL SUITE Please note that Junior, Deluxe & Superior Suites have fixed twin beds. Premium and Royal Suites have fixed double beds with separate mattresses and duvets, so can be made up as twins if required. 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 info@noble-caledonia.co.uk www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Ports subject to change and water levels. All special offers are subject to availability. Cover image: The Neptune Fountain and Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna 08917 070218_T